Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm without Camera Bracket (Black)

These magic arms are the original and the best ones made! Super useful for photo/video rigging, but also handy for a lot of other applications as well. I’m currently using a couple of these to expand my (musical) keyboard rack. One holds an iPad, and one holds a midi controller. It’s nice to be able to reposition them with ease and know that they will hold their position when cranked down tight. I did buy one from Amazon used and it was missing the cork friction washer. Seems like someone purchased it just to steal the washer because it was otherwise like new. I returned that one.

I started with a Manfrotto 244Micro to have my external recorder mountable pretty much anywhere on my videography setup, and loved it. I then started using them for stuff like mounting my cell phone above my computer to use it as my webcam for Zoom/Skype/etc. (using the AWESOME Mac + iOS app Camo, check it out!) So when the time came that I built a small vocal isolation booth and I wanted to boom the microphone overhead, moving up to this 244N + a Manfrotto Super Clamp seemed like a great idea. And, lo and behold, what seemed to be was, in truth, fact! The arm + clamp combo is currently holding up a tube mic, and seems to have had no problem with any of my other microphones. I liked it so much that I'm geting a couple more. They're just super handy sorts of things to have around: mount little LED video lights on them, I can put my mirrorless on it if I'm not using heavy glass, etc. etc. Just… super handy, and does the trick!

I have a few of these. I needed another so I bought it. I use it to hold certain video equipment (monitors, lights, PTZ cameras) that sometimes requires unusual mountings.

The best tool I ever purchased

For the cost, a hint on how to assemble would be nice. Check YouTube or see steps below. Insert the bolt through the head fitting with the arm facing you with all of the text and model numbers. Place the orange washer on the bolt by itself between the two modular arms. Slide the thick, shiny washer onto the open end of the bolt sticking out of the 2nd arm. Select the two small metal washers with grooves on one side. Enclose the bearings between the two grooved washers with the grooved side of the washers on the inside like a sandwich. The bearings fit perfectly into the grooves of both washers when all three parts are held together. Slide the little "washer sandwich" with the bearings onto the bolt. Screw the black knob onto the bolt to hold everything together. On the outside of the 2nd arm of the assembly you should have the shiny washer first, then 3 piece bearing sandwich and then the big black knob. Position the arm and clamp as needed and tighten the knob for your desired position. The manufacturer responded with a link to a YouTube video. I had already found some days earlier. They said the missing thrust bearing washer is not a in-stock item and too costly and time consuming for them to provide but I could likely find it at a local hardware store for pocket change? After two days of searching locally and on line I discovered the 3 part thrust bearing is a non-standard size (8mm ID x 17mm OD) apparently custom made in Italy for Manfrotto. I eventually had to resort to ordering a package of 5 of these parts in the closest standard size available which hopefully, maybe will work when they eventually come? My 4 stars are ridiculously generous at this point.

I wanted the 244n, but was a bit skeptical about purchasing this from Amazon. Some reviews stated that these are 'fake.' I took a chance and ordered one. I did see 'the sticker' on the product, and not a silk screened logo/product name on the actual arm. I reached out to Manfrotto directly. I sent them pictures. I sent them my Amazon receipt, as requested. While waiting for Manfrotto to confirm the product.... I ordered TWO more! One from B&H Photo, and the other from Adorama! All three (including the one from Amazon) had the EXACT same box and they all had a 'sticker' on them, and not a screen print! Ironically the one from B&H came, missing parts. It couldn't be used, so I returned it. I also returned the Adorama one too... (it was $50 more expensive) and purchased another from Amazon. Manfrotto told me the ones from Amazon ARE indeed genuine product. It is their store. Buy with confidence. These arms are great for all sorts of uses!

there is no apparent way to connect anything to this arm to anything nor do any of the holders that you'd buy for this come with any connecting parts. why would this not come with the part needed? the alleged part i need will take so long to ship to me that the return window might pass for this item. this is quite unprofessional and this part is overly expensive for what it is

This arm is a life savor. I know the most common use for this arm is photography and videography but I have purchased many of these to help me with sensors used in manufacturing. When these lock into place they are so rigid they can hold quite a bit of weight. They've also helped me as a temporary alignment tool until something more permanent is fabricated. This is a must-have in my tool box. I run to this mainly because of it's adjustability and stability.